NPL Men’s NSW 2026 Season Preview
The 2026 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season is upon us and shapes as one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory.
Following a memorable 2025, all 16 clubs begin the new season with renewed ambition, fresh narratives and genuine belief they can make their mark.
With coaching changes, squad overhauls and headline signings dominating a busy off-season, attention now turns to what promises to be another compelling year in Australia’s premier state competition.
APIA LEICHHARDT FC
Coach: Franco Parisi
2025 finish: 2nd (Champions)
The reigning champions enter 2026 with a clear target on their backs after a landmark season under Coach of the Year Franco Parisi. APIA claimed the Championship in 2025, capped by a Grand Final triumph over Rockdale Ilinden and a strong Australian Championship campaign.
While the squad remains largely intact, APIA will be without influential figures Dreydon Kelly and Joel Bertolissio this season. In response, the champions have recruited astutely, adding Eijin Kishimoto, Michael Konestabo, Levi Sciuriaga and Kyle Shaw to bolster depth across the park.
Parisi’s side will again lean on a blend of experience and youth, with emerging talents Christian Lombardo, Max Court and Oscar Gonzalez expected to play increased roles. With proven performers Rory Jordan, Presley Ortiz, Jack Stewart and Seiya Kambayashi leading the way, APIA appear well placed to remain firmly in the title conversation.
Expect Parisi’s trademark attacking style to once again take centre stage as APIA chase further silverware in 2026.
2026 Squad:
Oliver Kalac, Seiya Kambayashi, Navid Alizada, Eijin Kishimoto, Jack Stewart, Michael Konestabo, Presley Ortiz, Rory Jordan, Antonio Rizzo, Max Court, Sean Symons, Jordan Segreto, Fabian Monge, Alexander Parkes, Michael Kouta, Eddie Caspers, Levi Sciuriaga, Cameron Fong, Kyle Shaw, Oscar Gonzalez, Maksim Kasalovic, Alex Denmead, Franco Farinella, Christian Lombardo.
BLACKTOWN CITY FC
Coach: Mark Crittenden
2025 finish: 4th
Blacktown City return in 2026 with familiar ambitions — finals football and silverware — but with a noticeably younger look under coach Mark Crittenden.
A significant off-season turnover saw the departure of several experienced figures including Grant Lynch, Ben Berry and Danny Choi. In their place, Blacktown have promoted five juniors and recruited a number of emerging players as part of a clear shift toward youth.
Nathan Grimaldi, Caleb Jackson-Brown, Nikola Skataric and Anthony Sparacino headline the new arrivals, with Jackson-Brown already identified by Crittenden as one to watch. Despite the transition, the leadership of Travis Major, Jak O’Brien, Adam Berry and Mitchell Mallia provides important stability.
Finals football remains non-negotiable at Landen Stadium — the challenge will be whether this new-look side can turn potential into trophies.
MANLY UNITED FC
Coach: Vladimir Knezevic
2025 finish: 11th
Manly United begin a new chapter in 2026 with the appointment of Vladimir Knezevic as head coach. The Serbian brings international experience following time in his homeland’s top flight and familiarity with the club after working within Manly’s youth system.
A major squad refresh has accompanied the coaching change, with first-grade regulars Bilal Belkadi, Levi Kaye, Alen Aganovic and Stefano Rossello among those to depart. In response, Manly have added Luka Krizan, Mackenzie Syron, Stephen De Robillard, Ayumu Kimura and Luke Nieuwenhof.
Club captain Jesse Piriz, alongside Darcy Burgess and Ben Koop, will be central figures as Manly look to rebuild and re-establish themselves as a finals contender.
2026 Squad:
Luka Krizan, Matthew O’Donoghue, Jesse Piriz, Aaron O’Driscoll, Saxon Hillyer, Stephen De Robillard, Ben Koop, Darcy Burgess, Ayumu Kimura, Mitchell Seaman, Max Walker, Max Martinello, Will Faulder, Sam Griffiths, Luke Nieuwenhof, Cai Evans, Toby Bakewell, Yannis Frerck, Jasper Chipman, Mackenzie Syron.
MARCONI STALLIONS
Coach: Peter Tsekenis
2025 finish: 3rd
Fresh off a run to the Australian Championship Grand Final, Marconi Stallions enter 2026 eager to convert continental success into domestic silverware.
Peter Tsekenis remains at the helm, overseeing a squad with a youthful edge — the average age sits at just 23. New signings Teng Kuol, Pearson Kasawaya, Jack Armson and Adam Bugarija add firepower, with Armson widely regarded as one of the league’s most influential attacking midfielders on his day.
They join established leaders Marko Jesic, Franco Maya, Damian Tsekenis and George Daniel in what shapes as a genuine title-challenging squad. After a demanding 2025 calendar and a significant player turnover, Marconi’s early-season form will be one to monitor closely.
2026 Squad:
Tyren Burnie, Cameron Windust, Anton Mlinaric, George Daniel, Teng Kuol, Franco Maya, Adam Bugarija, Damian Tsekenis, Marko Jesic, Matej Busek, Julian Monge, Jack Armson, Aleksander Duricic, Luca Pecora, Sunday Yona, Pearson Kasawaya, Oliver Yates, Noah Anderson, Joel Wade, Luka Strbac, Quinten Blair, Christiano Imola.
NWS SPIRIT FC
Coach: Sergio Malfara
2025 finish: 1st (Premiers)
After claiming their maiden NPL Men’s NSW Premiership in 2025, NWS Spirit return determined to prove their success was no one-off.
A major change occurred in the off-season with David Perkovic’s departure, replaced by Sergio Malfara. Despite notable exits including Michael Konestabo, Jordan Perez and Ollie Wiggin, Spirit have reinforced well with Kosta Petratos, Owen Henderson, Kaan Nizam and former Inter Lions captain Sam Armson.
The core of Chris Marques, Corey Kavanagh, Grant Cornwell and Simon Nicholas remains intact, ensuring continuity. Spirit firmly believe further silverware is within reach in 2026.
ROCKDALE ILINDEN FC
Coach: Paul Dee
2025 finish: 4th
Rockdale Ilinden enter 2026 determined to go one better after falling heartbreakingly short in last season’s Grand Final. Paul Dee remains in charge and has made it clear his side is motivated to turn disappointment into silverware.
The off-season brought significant change, headlined by the departure of club icon and all-time leading goalscorer Alec Urosevski, alongside Blake Ricciuto and Brayden Sorge. While Dee has acknowledged the trio are irreplaceable, Rockdale have embraced a new chapter with confidence.
Recruitment has been swift and purposeful. Levi Kaye, Lachlan Griffiths, Ollie Wiggin, Harry McCarthy and Harry Van Der Saag all arrive to strengthen the squad, while the return of Matthieu Cordier from injury feels like a new signing in itself. With established performers Isaac Danzo and Brendan Cholakian still central figures, Ilinden remain a formidable outfit.
The key question will be who steps up to lead the attack, but Rockdale appear well equipped to remain among the league’s elite.
2026 Squad:
Levi Kaye, Hunter Elliott, Lachlan Griffith, Giorgio Speranza, Isaac Danzo, Ollie Wiggin, Jerry Skotadis, Moudi Najjar, Brendan Cholakian, Lochie Constable, Paul Kalamvokis, Stefan Simonovski, Michael Marcevski, Lucas De Sousa, Dean Jovevski, Ronan Mulgrew, Harry McCarthy, Angelo Kalamvokis, Harry Van Der Saag, Matthieu Cordier, Matthew Keremelevski.
SD RAIDERS FC
Coach: Goran Ljuboja
2025 finish: 2nd (FNSW League One)
One of two newly promoted sides, SD Raiders arrive in the NPL Men’s NSW competition ready to make an immediate impact after a dramatic promotion campaign.
Guided by coach Goran Ljuboja and his attacking philosophy known as “Goz Ball”, the Raiders secured their place in the top flight via a thrilling play-off victory over the Central Coast Mariners.
Eight players from the promotion-winning squad have moved on, but the club has responded by recruiting quality replacements. League One Player of the Year Robert Eremugo headlines the arrivals, joined by William Loucas, Thomas Makko, Jakov Malbasa and Martin Fernandez.
Youth development remains a cornerstone of the club’s identity, with Oliver Velanic one young talent already attracting attention from A-League scouts. Southern Districts will relish the underdog tag and should prove dangerous on any given matchday.
2026 Squad:
Michael Figuera, William Loucas, James Letta, Jett Mecuu Shore, Lachlan McGrath, Ethan Beaven, Yonathan Sebhatu, Cooper Hanagan, Thomas Santarossa, Sebastian Malfara, Lachlan Everett, Matthew Lee, Thomas Makko, Ham Donghwa, Luka Knezevic, Mihael Marcic, Charlie Ragg, Riley Cox-Barlow, Noah Chianese, Robert Eremugo, Martin Fernandez, Oliver Velanic, Jakov Malbasa.
ST GEORGE SAINTS FC
Coach: Raphael Marie
2025 finish: 12th
Following an inconsistent 2025 campaign, St George Saints enter the new season eager to re-establish their identity and competitiveness.
A major change came at the helm with Raphael Marie returning after a two-year absence. Marie previously led the club’s U20s to a dominant League One title in 2023 and will look to instil those winning habits into the senior side.
Several veterans have departed, including Gianni Di Pizio, Bai Antoniou and Nikola Skataric, but the Saints have responded with meaningful reinforcements. Chris McStay headlines the new arrivals alongside Katsuyoshi Kimishima, Jake Trew and Nicholas Sorras.
Seen as one of the biggest signings for 2026, the club has signed the services of former A-League star and Socceroo Terry Antonis which is a massive coup for the area and competition.
Marie’s attacking philosophy should inject renewed excitement at Barton Park, with the squad well suited to playing on the front foot throughout 2026.
2026 Squad:
Nicholas Sorras, Terry Antonis, Rocco Smith, Troy Danaskos, Jayden Seeto, Nicholas Kalogerou, Pat O’Shea, Justin Poon, Evan Souris, Jake Trew, Jaden Casella, Anthony Morabito, Stevan Stanic-Floody, Sebastian La Luz, Katsuyoshi Kimishima, Mark Rodic, Kaidyen Wright, Kota Toyooka, Harry Keys, Javier Rodriguez, Harrison Farrow, Christopher McStay.
ST GEORGE CITY FC
Coach: Mirko Jurilj
2025 finish: 9th
After narrowly missing finals in 2025, St George City enter the new season with renewed focus and belief under returning coach Mirko Jurilj.
City experienced notable squad turnover during the off-season, farewelling nine players while welcoming 11 new faces. Departures included Dakota Askew, Marc McNulty and Levi Sciuriaga, while the arrivals of Ben Berry, Brae Ovens, Stefano Rossello, Theph Theph and Ahmed Taleb add both experience and upside.
Twenty-one-year-old forward Ovens looms as a breakout candidate, while club captain Tarik Ercan, Brodie Clarkson, Paolo Mitry and Louis Khoury provide leadership and consistency.
Since returning to the top flight, City have proven difficult to beat, and 2026 shapes as another season where they could challenge for a finals berth.
2026 Squad:
Jack Kenny, Matthew Wahby, Ben Berry, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Lewis Miccio, Tarik Ercan, Oscar Gultekin, Stefano Rossello, Brae Ovens, Paolo Mitry, Jesse Photi, Franklin Jan, Jared Macerola, Roman Culina, Theph Theph, John Stamos, Brodie Clarkson, Matthew Jackson, Ahmed Taleb, Lachlan Stamos, Louis Khoury, Luke Orsina, Spencer Webster, Toby Tindale, Junaid Codmani, Hugo McAteer.
SUTHERLAND SHARKS FC
Coach: David Perkovic
2025 finish: 13th
Few clubs have attracted as much off-season attention as Sutherland Sharks following a dramatic shift in direction.
The appointment of David Perkovic was a statement of intent after his Premiership-winning season with NWS Spirit. His arrival was followed by a raft of high-profile signings, including Nick Olsen, Jamie Percevski, Milislav Popovic and Jordan Perez.
Nineteen players departed as the Sharks committed to a new philosophy focused on elite standards and local youth development. Perkovic’s ambitious three-year plan includes winning the Premiership — and with the talent assembled, Sutherland loom as one of the competition’s most intriguing prospects.
2026 Squad:
Danijel Nizic, Lachlan MacDonald, Yianni Nicolaou, Thijs van Amerongen, Jordan Perez, Ryley Hollingdale, Takumi Ofuka, Brendan Gan, Milislav Popovic, Tariq Maia, Danny Choi, James Husoy, Zac Nikolovski, Yuto Kokuryo, Jamie Percevski, Jacob McLaughlin, Richard Shoueiki, Gian Fiorese, Jackson Barter, Nick Olsen, Tye McGowan, Lachlan Maher.
SYDNEY FC
Coach: Jimmy Van Weeren
2025 finish: 10th
Sydney FC enter 2026 with stability at the core, retaining much of the squad that impressed last season.
Jimmy Van Weeren continues to guide the Sky Blues, maintaining the club’s dual focus on elite player development and competitive performance. The squad boasts significant A-League experience, including Mitch Glasson, Zac De Jesus and Tiago Quintal.
Supported by established NPL performers Wataru Kamijo, Gus Hoefsloot and Zac Fowler, alongside emerging talent Joe Lacey, Sydney FC remain one of the most technically exciting teams in the league.
Goals will be a key focus as the youthful Sky Blues look to challenge the competition’s heavyweights once again.
2026 Squad:
Gus Hoefsloot, Reef Farias, Caelan Marshall-Witte, Nicholas Zdrilic, Nicolas Calder, Jordan Graoroski, Sam Lancaster, Wataru Kamijo, Zac Fowler, Taye Hedley, Junior Conde, Jared Williams, Jared Middleton, Jay Maltz, Mitch Glasson, Tiago Quintal, Zac De Jesus, Mathias Macallister, Nickolas Alfaro, Lachlan Middleton, Joe Lacey, Alexander Zaverdinos, Marin France, Tyler Williams, Akol Akon.
SYDNEY OLYMPIC FC
Coach: David Magrone
2025 finish: 7th
Sydney Olympic embark on a new era in 2026 following a near-miss finals campaign last season.
David Magrone takes charge after Labinot Haliti’s departure, bringing international experience from stints at Tottenham Hotspur, QPR and Greek football. A significant squad overhaul followed, with 14 players departing including Jack Armson, Adam Parkhouse and Teng Kuol.
Among the new signings to pull on the famous blue and white jersey are Samuel Bosnajk, Marco Arambasic, Marcus Fernandez, Daniel Wong, Peter Grozos, Yuta Kamura, Yuto Fujita, Josip Orlovic, Max Luburic, Ben Giason, Jacob Tresoglavic, Kim Jun-Yong, Joshua Hong and Dom Ciano. The influx of talent brings a mix of domestic experience and international flair, providing Magrone with depth and versatility across the park.
While much of the squad has been refreshed, a small group of familiar faces remains to anchor the side. Bailey Callaghan, Peter Politis and Ziggy Gordon are among the few survivors from last season’s squad, offering continuity and leadership as Olympic transition into this new phase.
While labelled a transition year, Olympic’s recruitment suggests they remain capable of surprising opponents.
2026 Squad:
Bailey Callaghan, Peter Politis, George Louca, Harry Peak, Brooklyn Mallia, Ziggy Gordon, Samuel Bosnjak, Marco Arambasic, Liam Saba, Marcus Fernandez, Daniel Wong, Peter Grozos, Anthony Carreras, Yuta Kamura, Yuto Fujita, Josip Orlovic, Max Luburic, Ben Giason, Jacob Tresogglavic, Kim Jun-Yong, Dom Ciano, Da Silva, Joshua Hong.
SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC
Coach: Miro Vlastelica
2025 finish: 6th
Sydney United 58 return in 2026 following a successful yet ultimately bittersweet campaign.
The club claimed a historic eighth Waratah Cup and reached the Australian Cup Round of 16 but fell short in finals and continental competition. Following Ante Juric’s departure, Miro Vlastelica returns for another stint in charge, having previously guided United to the 2022 Australian Cup Final.
Several veteran players have departed, including Patrick Antelmi and Aidan Milicevic, while Adam Pavlesic, Tomoki Wada, Nick Pratezina and Max Burrato arrive. With Pavlesic and Vedran Janjetovic on the books, United arguably boast the league’s strongest goalkeeping department.
A blend of youth and experience positions United firmly among the contenders again in 2026.
2026 Squad:
Adam Pavlesic, Max Burrato, Bailey Rule, Adrian Vlastelica, Anthony Tomelic, Dylan Rose, Leroy Jennings, Tomoki Wada, Kyle Cimenti, Carlos De Oliveira, Farah Koko, Gabriel Tilo, Jordan Ivancic, Liam McGing, Adrian Knez, Ante Krillic, Michael Glassock, Michael Krslovic, Vedran Janjetovic, Koya Nakano, Nick Pratezina, Mason Wells.
UNSW FC
Coach: Gabe Knowles
2025 finish: 1st (FNSW League One)
UNSW FC complete a remarkable rise into the NPL Men’s NSW competition after securing promotion as League One Premiers.
Coach Gabe Knowles has led the Students since 2017 and overseen two promotions in three seasons. While expectations are measured, UNSW have recruited shrewdly, adding experienced figures Tristan Prendergast, Grant Lynch and Lachlan Campbell.
With a strong returning core and a fearless approach, UNSW could surprise many in their maiden top-flight season.
2026 Squad:
Tristan Prendergast, Timothy Wohlfiel, Emilio Vinci, Liam Wood, Claudio Fabiano, Grant Lynch, Matias Da Silva Santos, Tacettin Kumsuz, Kevin Lopes, Nathan Roberts, Jack Fulton, Cassius Flavell, Sean Woods, Lachlan Campbell, Corby Fowler, Kai Kamikura, Jyden Harb, Conor Quilligan, Oliver Puflett, Antony Barbic, Alex Malfara, Gilbert Duffy, Angus Martin, Sean Collins.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC
Coach: Panny Nikas
2025 finish: 14th
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Western Sydney Wanderers enter 2026 refreshed and re-focused.
Panny Nikas takes over as head coach, bringing extensive NPL and A-League experience. The Wanderers retain much of their youthful squad, led by attacking threat Awan Lual alongside Alaat Abdul Rahman, Nathan Barrie and Tristan Vidackovic.
Teenage prospects such as Kade Baccus headline an exciting crop of emerging talent as the Wanderers continue prioritising player development.
2026 Squad:
Tristan Vidackovic, Jesse Cameron, Ben Mewett, Ricky Fransen, Nathan Barrie, Oscar Morrison, Jai Rose, Julian Cop, Awan Lual, Alaat Abdul Rahman, Atiya Waraga, Lucas Sinnott, Noah Ovens, Kade Baccus, Johnny Pavlovic, Tristan Arrarte, Joshua Cetenic, Thomas Cutuk, Harper Ryles, Oscar Moore.
WOLLONGONG WOLVES FC
Coach: Luke Wilkshire
2025 finish: 8th
Wollongong Wolves enter 2026 as one of the league’s most balanced squads after narrowly missing finals last season.
Luke Wilkshire continues in charge and is confident his side can return to the form that earned him Coach of the Year honours previously. The Wolves have retained key contributors Tate Russell and Kazuya Yamamura while adding Brazilian attacker Felipe D’Agostini.
With depth across the park and strong leadership, Wollongong are well placed to push back into finals contention.
2026 Squad:
Daniel Solsky, Dylan Ryan, Banri Kanaizumi, James Anagnostopoulos, Felipe D’Agostini, Liam Ball, Flynn Madden, Sebastian Hernandez, Tate Russell, Noah Mathie, Dax Kelly, Lucas Trajcevski, Marcus Beattie, Kazuya Yamamura, Max Cunial, Sebastian Duarte, Lachlan Scott, Alex Masciovecchio, Taj DeMito, Dylan King.
Written by:
NPL Men’s NSW Reporter and Commentator
Dominic Criniti – @DominicCriniti
